The AS/COA Energy Action Group hosted a panel on energy and climate change in the Western Hemisphere. Following the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago in April and in advance of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.

COA hosted a discussion with the World Bank's Pamela Cox about the role of commodities in the region’s economic profile and future. Read a summary of the program.

AS/COA hosted a joint program preceding U.S. President Barack Obama’s meeting with Mexican President Calderón in Mexico and the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. The panelists expressed hope the gathering will serve to redefine relations within the hemisphere.

Leading up to the Summit of the America, AS/COA Miami hosted a panel discussion on prospects for trade and integration in Latin America. At a time of financial crisis and a tendency toward protectionism, speakers agreed there is a need to consider a broader agenda for growth across the Western Hemisphere.

Council of the Americas hosted former Peruvian Ambassador to the United States Eduardo Ferrero to discuss the Andean country's economic and political outlook in the context of the global financial downturn.

AS/COA hosted a panel discussion on April's Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. White House Advisor for the Summit of the Americas Jeffrey Davidow and Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN Heraldo Muñoz talked about how the summit can move forward trade, energy, and economic policy while reinvigorating Washington's relationship with the hemisphere.

On the eve of Secretary Hillary Clinton's trip to Mexico, an AS/COA panel examined bilateral approaches to solve security issues and overcome financial concerns. Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhán and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jim Jones participated.